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January 21, 2025 - GTU Office of Press and Public Relations
Prof. Fikret Yıldız, a faculty member in the Department of Physics at Gebze Technical University (GTU), who has passed away recently, leaving the university in deep sorrow, is laid to rest following a ceremony held at the GTU Rectorate.
Prof. Fikret Yıldız, a faculty member in the Faculty of Science at GTU and the Director of the Institute of Nanotechnology, passed away on January 20, 2025, plunging GTU into mourning. Known for his esteemed personality and dedicated efforts, he has made significant contributions to the scientific development and progress of both the university and Türkiye. A ceremony in his honor was held in front of the GTU Rectorate building.
The ceremony was attended by Prof. Fikret Yıldız’s family; Gebze District Governor Mehmet Ali Özyiğit; Gebze Mayor Zinnur Büyükgöz; GTU Rector Prof. Hacı Ali Mantar; Cengiz Ceylan (PhD), Vice President of ÖSYM (Student Selection and Placement Center); Murat Balay, Darıca District Director of National Education; Azmi Tunç, Çayırova District Director of National Education; Prof. Abdurrahman Akyol, Teknopark Istanbul General Manager; representatives of various institutions and organizations; and GTU’s academic and administrative staff.
During the funeral ceremony, GTU Rector Prof. Hacı Ali Mantar emphasized the professional and personal qualities of the late professor. He highlighted Prof. Yıldız’s substantial contributions to areas such as nanotechnology, scientific projects, and the defense industry, noting that he always performed his duties with great dedication. Despite his illness, Prof. Yıldız continued his work tirelessly, demonstrating both academic and personal excellence.
Prof. Özkan Ünal, Ankara Coordinator of ÖSYM, shared that he had maintained a 40-year friendship with Prof. Fikret Yıldız, describing him as a man of steadfast principles throughout his life.
Dean of GTU’s Faculty of Science, Prof. Ramazan Altundaş, began his speech by expressing condolences to Prof. Fikret Yıldız’s family, students, and all attendees. He regarded his speech as an act of final farewell, describing Yıldız as a brave, honest, and selfless individual. He recalled the late professor’s remarkable determination in collaborative projects, even while battling his illness, and noted his unyielding spirit. Prof. Altundaş concluded by saying, “We will remember him as a good man,” adding, “Good people ride beautiful horses and depart,” a poetic remark to end his tribute.
Prof. Bulat Rameev, a faculty member in GTU’s Department of Physics, shared his long-standing experience of working alongside Prof. Fikret Yıldız. He spoke about Yıldız’s significant contributions to the development of the Institute of Nanotechnology, thanks to the expertise he had gained abroad. He described him as a true scientist driven by scientific curiosity and passion, as well as someone who was always solution-oriented, compassionate, and kind-hearted. Prof. Rameev stated that Prof. Fikret Yıldız had left an indelible mark both scientifically and personally and would always be remembered.
Following the ceremony, Prof. Fikret Yıldız’s body was taken to Kartal Çavuşoğlu Tevhid Mosque for the funeral prayer and later interred at Yakacık Cemetery after the afternoon prayer.
Born in 1966 in Shumen, Bulgaria, Prof. Fikret Yıldız completed his undergraduate studies in physics engineering at Hacettepe University and earned his master’s degree in physics from Celal Bayar University.
His academic journey at Gebze Technical University began in 1999 with his doctoral studies. He spent extended periods conducting postdoctoral research in countries such as Germany and South Korea.
In 2010, he returned to GTU’s Department of Physics to continue his academic career, advancing to the titles of associate professor and professor while also holding administrative roles in various divisions of the university.
Most recently, he served as the Director of GTU’s Institute of Nanotechnology and as Gebze’s ÖSYM Coordinator. Throughout his academic life, he made significant contributions to fields such as nanoscale magnetic materials and their applications, surface science, ferromagnetic resonance, electron spectroscopy, synchrotron radiation experiments (XMCD–XRMS), quantum hybrid systems, and functional materials. His work in nanotechnology provided Türkiye with critical contributions and laid the scientific groundwork for this field in the country, reflecting his relentless dedication to advancing science and technology. |
